Financial Aid & Scholarships

The Dean’s Excellence Graduate Scholarship

Application deadline: May 1

Criteria: Applicants to a PLU School of Business graduate program with high academic standards, and who have demonstrated a purposeful life of achievement, inquiry, integrity, leadership and service may apply for this scholarship. Specifically, the applicant must:

Have submitted a complete application for admission to the PLU MBA program

Have a minimum average GPA in all previous college or university coursework of 3.0

Demonstrate evidence of living a purposeful life of achievement, inquiry, integrity, leadership and service to the community

Terms of the award: The Dean’s Excellence Graduate Scholarship is divided into two equal allocations for the fall and spring semesters. The fall portion is dispersed automatically. In order to receive the spring portion the student must:

Gladys M. Knutzen Memorial MBA Scholarship

Mr. and Mrs. Victor F. Kuntzen established the Gladys M. Knutzen Memorial MBA Scholarship in 1991 in memory of Victor’s sister. Victor is a retired Boeing vice president and controller. He also served as a Pacific Lutheran University Board of Regent from 1969 until 1983. Victor died in 1997. Blessed be his memory. This scholarship is intended to encourage qualified candidates to reach their greatest possible potential through education.

Award amount: $5453

Number of awards: one

Criteria: For current students. Graduate student standing in the MBA, enrollment in 8 or more credits in a graduate program in business, academic achievement, Financial need, based on the FAFSA (applicants must submit the FAFSA to PLU by March 1). Need is affected by many factors and all students are encouraged to apply.

Murray-Danielson Management Award Scholarship

The Murray-Danielson Management Award Scholarship was established and funded by Kenneth P. Murray, who received a BA and MBA from Pacific Lutheran University, and Sherman Danielson who graduated from Pacific Lutheran University with a BA.

PLU Business Network Scholarship

This highly competitive scholarship, sponsored by the PLU Business Network, is open to graduate business students who display high academic standards and leadership within the School of Business. Selected candidates will be interviewed by the PLU Business Network Board of Directors.

Graduate Fellowships

The graduate fellowship program offers MBA students an opportunity to participate in academic and administrative activities that will enhance their graduate education experience, as well as provide financial assistance.

Award amount: Varies

Number of awards: Varies

Terms of the award: Students are required to provide service to the university through assistance with academic and administrative activities. A limited number of fellowships are available during the academic year. Full awards are very rare. In general, fellowships involve time commitments of five to fifteen hours per week.

How to apply:
Admitted students will be sent a fellowship application in their acceptance packet.

The PLU Alumni Grant

The PLU Grant provides a 10 percent discount on tuition for PLU graduates who enroll in a PLU master’s level degree or approved master’s level certificate program. Restrictions apply to those students who are also PLU employees. The discount begins immediately upon admission.

Unsubsidized Stafford Loans (Direct Loans)

Although payments are deferred while you are enrolled at least half-time, unsubsidized loans accumulate interest while you are in school. If you can, it is recommended that you try to pay the interest on these loans while you are in school.

Loan amount: LOAN of $20,500 per year

Deadline: Applicants are considered for this loan when their FAFSA application is being processed. The loan is processed by PLU and disbursed to pay your tuition.

Number of awards: n/a

Criteria: You do not need to demonstrate need to qualify for these loans. Detailed information is available at the Federal student aid website.

Terms of the loan: This loan accumulates interest while you are in school, and when you are in your forbearance “grace period.” It is a loan, so it must be paid back with interest. When you fill out the FAFSA, there is a tool that estimates what your student loan repayment amounts will look like. Detailed information, including current interest rates, is available at the Federal student aid website.

Once you receive your PLU award notification, you must log onto PLU’s Secure Area of Banner Web, Financial Aid Services, to Accept or Decline the loan. Step-by-step instructions can be found on the Student Services Web Page under Graduate Student Checklist.

If you choose to accept the loan, you must also “Sign In” to studentloans.gov to complete the required Entrance Counseling and Master Promissory Note.

PLUS Loan (Direct Loans)

Although payments are deferred while you are enrolled at least half-time, unsubsidized loans accumulate interest while you are in school. If you can, it is recommended that you try to pay the interest on these loans while you are in school. These loans differ from Unsubsidized Stafford Loans in that they have a higher interest rate and require a credit check.

Loan amount: LOAN to meet any unmet need up to the total estimated cost of attendance for the program.

Deadline: Applicants are considered for this loan when their FAFSA application is being processed. The loan is processed by PLU and disbursed to pay your tuition.

Number of awards: n/a

Criteria: You do not need to demonstrate need to qualify for these loans. Unlike the Stafford loan, borrowers must pass a credit check. Detailed information is available at the Federal student aid website.

Terms of the loan: This loan accumulates interest while you are in school, and when you are in your forbearance “grace period.” It is a loan, so it must be paid back with interest. When you fill out the FAFSA, there is a tool that estimates what your student loan repayment amounts will look like. Detailed information, including current interest rates, is available at the Federal student aid website.

Once you receive your PLU award notification, you must log onto PLU’s Secure Area of Banner Web, Financial Aid Services, to Accept or Decline the loan. Step-by-step instructions can be found on the Student Services Web Page under Graduate Student Checklist.

If you choose to accept the loan, you must also “Sign In” to studentloans.gov to complete the required Entrance Counseling and Master Promissory Note.

Yellow Ribbon Program

Pacific Lutheran University is proud to partner with the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to offer an unlimited number of full-tuition Yellow Ribbon Scholarships to qualified veterans or their dependents.

For detailed information about this benefit and eligibility, see the Department of Veterans Affairs Yellow Ribbon Program FAQ.

Vocational Rehab & Other Benefits

At PLU, we are committed to assisting you with getting the most from your benefits. If you qualify for Vocational Rehab, or any other benefits, our dedicated Student Services Coordinator will work with you to help you fill out the paperwork you need for the VA. Please contact Neshell Henkel Chabot at 800-678-3243, 253-535-7161, or henkelnd@plu.edu.